National parks face major test with more visitors this summer

Staffing Challenges - A watchdog group reports a 24% reduction in permanent staff at the National Park Service since January [1] - Crater Lake National Park's superintendent stepped down after nearly five months, citing strain on staffing, with employees routinely working 60 hours of overtime per two-week pay cycle for snow removal [6] - At Yosemite, delayed seasonal hirings led to existing staff, including scientists and park managers, taking on extra duties like cleaning restrooms and trash maintenance for about a month [4] Impact on Park Operations & Visitor Experience - Reduced capacity around campgrounds and picnic areas has been observed [2] - Some parks required extra passes or admission vouchers due to potential cutbacks on the number of tourists [3] - One park official stated Yosemite is now well-staffed and can provide safe, meaningful experiences for visitors [4] Business Impact - Rush Creek Lodge reported significantly lower bookings for the summer due to concerns about park staffing levels [5]